Shide (Shinto)

紙垂, 四手 are zigzag-shaped paper streamers, often seen attached to or , and used in Shinto rituals in Japan. A popular ritual is using a , or "lightning wand", named for the zig-zag paper that adorns the wand. A similar wand, used by for purification and blessing, is the with two . A Shinto priest waves the over a person, item, or newly bought property, such as a building or a car. The wand is waved at a slow and rhythmic pace, but with a little force so that the strips make a rustling noise on each pass of the wand. For new properties, a similar ritual known as is performed with a , an enclosed part of the land (enclosed by ), and sake, or ritually purified sake known as . The has been used for centuries in Shinto ceremonies.